What Is a Daycare Incident Report?
A daycare incident report is a written record of any unusual event or injury that occurs under your care. It documents what happened, when and where, and what was done in response. These reports are shared with parents and, in some states, may be required for licensing or inspections.
Creating a report doesn’t just check a box. It builds trust with families and helps your business stay prepared, protected, and organized.
How to Report an Incident at a Daycare
If an accident or event occurs, you need to write and file an incident report as soon as possible. Here’s how to do it clearly and thoroughly:
- Document the date, time, and location of the incident while details are still fresh
- Identify the children or staff involved and their roles in the event
- Describe what happened in clear language—avoid assumptions or blame
- Note what was done, including first aid or parental notifications
- Include witness information, if available
- Attach any supporting documentation, such as photos or medical records
- Provide copies to parents and retain a copy for your internal records
- Follow state or licensing rules for reporting and retention
Being thorough helps ensure you’re covered in case of follow-up questions, licensing reviews, or future concerns.
If medical treatment is required, make sure you have a child medical consent form on file to ensure you’re authorized to act quickly.
Daycare Incident Report Sample
You can view a sample daycare incident report below to give you an idea of how it should look. Once you’re ready to fill it out, you can edit this template using our document editor and then download it in PDF or Word format.
File Confidently with Legal Templates
Our daycare incident report form template makes it easy to report events, notify parents, and meet state requirements. Customize it to fit your care location, protect your business, and continue providing families with the information they need—all in one place.
